Justin Reid
HOUSTON TEXANS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Back | Stanford University | 4 |
Demonstrates Excellence on The Field
Star defensive back Justin Reid has been a force on the field since he joined the NFL and the Houston Texans in 2018. Reid leads the Texans in interceptions (7) and ranks second (261) in total tackles since the beginning of his rookie year. He is one of only three players in the NFL since 1950 to have an interception return of 101 yards or more as a rookie. Reid's came on Nov. 18, 2018, against the Washington Football Team. He has started in 35 games since 2019 and has 70 career tackles (196 solo), two career sacks, and seven interceptions, with one pick-six. That pick-six is the second-longest in franchise history.
This season, Justin added another milestone to his list. With his interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1, he surpassed 200 career interception return yards (228). He has 15 tackles this season, with two interceptions that have been returned for a total of 45 yards, four passes defensed, and one forced fumble. He has also started in all five games he has appeared in this season.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts this Year
Justin is a source of strength and inspiration for Houston and beyond, and this year he stepped up in a big way. When Hurricane Ida hit his home state of Louisiana in August, Justin didn't hesitate to lead the charge in giving back to the community that shaped him into the person he is today. Justin quickly organized a drive-through relief event at NRG Stadium, asking Houstonians to support the state that came through for them when Hurricane Harvey devastated the city back in 2017. The community and Justin's teammates exceeded his expectations. He raised more than $10,000 and filled two 18-wheelers with donated items such as non-perishable food, bottled water, toiletries, dog food, and more. Justin's efforts earned him the NFLPA's Week 1 Community MVP.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Efforts in Years Past
Throughout his time in Houston, Justin's commitment to people across the community has not gone unnoticed. He can usually be found impacting the lives of children who need him most across Houston. While his efforts are expansive, three local organizations are the biggest beneficiaries of Justin's generosity.
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance was founded by families of children with cancer for families of children with cancer. The organization's goal is to provide emotional, educational, and practical support to families, and Justin's presence does just that. His longstanding commitment to the organization and bond with childhood cancer patients is immeasurable. Justin has provided gameday experiences to patient families through the Texans' Community Huddle Ticketing Program and created unbreakable bonds with many children. Jake, a young patient he met at a Texans game back in 2019, inspired Justin's first visit to Texas Children's Hospital. Before the pandemic, Justin would often spend Tuesdays at the hospital bringing smiles to patients and their families. Even amid the pandemic, Justin still prioritized Candlelighter's patients virtually by visiting and reading books to them via iPad as well as sending patients Christmas gifts. In 2019, Justin selected Candlelighters to showcase during the My Cause My Cleats game.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston's goal is to inspire and enable all youth to realize their full potential as positive, responsible, and caring citizens. Justin has inspired many Club members, but none more than a young girl named Elaytrius. They met when they were matched for a holiday shopping spree Justin's rookie year, and their relationship blossomed into numerous visits with her, back-to-school gifts, and more. Justin also distributed food via a drive-through market pantry during Texans Care Volunteer Day in 2020 at the Boys & Girls Clubs.
Lastly, Kids' Meals delivers free, healthy meals directly to the homes of hungry children across Houston. Justin offered continued support during the pandemic by volunteering in-person and surprising families virtually for Thanksgiving with gifts, food, and grocery gift cards.
Demonstrates Consistency in Positive Character and Models a Lifestyle of Giving Back
Justin's endearing personality is a constant for his teammates and the community alike. His beaming smile is infectious and lights up every room he walks into. Giving back is quite simply just a part of Justin's everyday life. No matter how big or small the event, or community effort is, he is all in to ensure everyone in his presence walks away with a smile, gift, or word of encouragement or advice. Justin's positive attitude permeates through the locker room and across the community, and he truly is a shining example of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.
